In order to kickstart your real estate career in Virginia, it’s essential to obtain a Virginia Real Estate License. However, despite the fact that the application process is mainly completed online nowadays, many applicants can still find it quite confusing and complicated.
For this reason, this How to Get a Real Estate License in Virginia article will break down the main steps involved in the licensing process, covering everything from educational requirements to exam preparation and having your fingerprints taken.
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In order to get your Virginia real estate license and start working in the real estate industry, there are several key steps you’ll need to complete, including:
In the sections below, we’ve explored each of these steps in more detail.
Before continuing ahead with your application for a Virginia real estate license, you’ll first need to confirm that you’re actually eligible for it by ensuring you meet the following prerequisites:
Note: If you are currently licensed as a real estate professional in another state and your license has not expired, you will only be required to pass the state-specific portion of the Virginia real estate examination.
In addition to the general requirements outlined above, there are certain educational prerequisites you’ll be expected to meet in order to be able to apply for a Virginia real estate license.
In particular, you’ll be expected to complete a 60-hour pre-licensing course approved by the Virginia Real Estate Board, which delves into important areas such as property laws, ethics, real estate finance, and contract management.
This course is offered both online and in traditional classroom settings, allowing you to choose the format that best suits your learning style and schedule.
Even though completing the courses is mandatory, it would be a mistake to think of this step as just “checking a box”. This is because your pre-licensing education is what will prepare you to both pass your exam and become a better real estate agent.
For this reason, we always encourage our readers to invest in high-quality and reliable courses, as their study materials (like real estate practice tests and flashcards) can be invaluable during the exam prep stage.
On top of this, some of the top courses also offer money-back guarantees in the event that you do not pass your exam on your first attempt after taking their course.
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The next step you’ll need to complete is to pass the Virginia real estate exam, which is administered by PSI.
This exam is divided into two sections, which you have the option to take together within a total time frame of 150 minutes:
In order to schedule your real estate exam, you’ll need to head over to the PSI website and make an online reservation. If this is your first time using the platform, you’ll be required to create an account, after which you’ll be shown step-by-step instructions on how to complete the reservation. Alternatively, you can also schedule your examination via phone by calling PSI at (855) 340-3910.
Please note that the examination fee is $60, regardless of whether you take one or both test sections.
Keep in mind that passing exam scores only remain valid for one year from the date you took the test. This means that you’ll need to apply for your license within this timeframe in order to avoid having to retake the exam.
Prior to submitting your license application, you will be required to undergo a fingerprint-based background check.
This check will be conducted by the Virginia Central Criminal Records Exchange in order to access both state and national criminal history records and can be completed in one of two ways:
In both cases, the processing of your fingerprints typically takes between four and six weeks. Once your background check has been cleared, you’ll need to submit your completed application to the Board within 45 calendar days.
If the application is not received within this timeframe, you’ll be required to complete this fingerprinting process before your license can be issued.
After passing the state real estate exam and satisfying all other licensing requirements, you’ll be ready to move onto submitting your license application.
To do this, you will need to download the Salesperson License Application Form, complete it, and mail it to the following address:
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
Real Estate Board
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400
Richmond, Virginia 23233-1485
Along with your completed application, you must also include a $170 licensing fee made payable to the Treasurer of Virginia.
If you’ve managed to get this far, congratulations! With your application submitted and all the other licensing requirements satisfied, in most cases you should receive communication from the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation within one month.
Be sure to take some time to celebrate your accomplishment. You’ve put in a lot of work and effort and deserve a celebration!
In order to keep your license valid and continue working as a real estate sales agent, you’ll need to renew your license every two years.
To do this, you will need to complete a total of 16 hours of Continuing Education, which must include:
The remaining eight hours can be fulfilled with electives or additional coursework in any of the subjects mentioned above.
We always encourage our readers to think of the post licensing course they take as an investment in their future career — higher quality, more reliable course content is a central part of ensuring you continue to grow professionally.
Once you’ve completed the required Continuing Education, you’ll be eligible to renew your Virginia real estate sales agent license, which can be done either online or by mail.
To renew your license online, you will need to visit the DPOR website, log in to your online account, and complete the following steps:
Alternatively, if you opt to renew your license by mail, you’ll need to download the renewal form from the DPOR website, fill it out, and send it to the following address:
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400
Richmond, Virginia 23233-1485
Along with the completed form, you’ll also need to include a copy of your Continuing Education completion certificate and a $65 renewal fee.
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Mailing Address:
Virginia Real Estate Board
9960 Maryland Drive, Suite 400
Richmond, VA 23233
Phone: (804) 367-8526
Fax: (866) 826-8863
It generally takes between three and six months to become a real estate agent in Virginia. This accounts for the time needed to complete the 60-hour pre-licensing course, pass the state exam, undergo a fingerprint-based background check, and submit your license application.
Interested in finding out more? Check out our state-specific How to Get a Real Estate License guide.
To become a licensed real estate agent in Virginia, you’ll need to complete a 60-hour pre-licensing course from an approved real estate school, pass both the national and state-specific portions of the Virginia Real Estate exam, undergo a fingerprint-based background check, and submit your license application to the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation.
The Virginia real estate salesperson examination is generally considered challenging, as it requires a thorough understanding of both national real estate principles and Virginia-specific laws and regulations.
Having said that, candidates who diligently prepare and utilize comprehensive study resources often find they can pass on their first attempt.
To get a Virginia real estate agent license, you will need to pay between $200 to $600 for the required pre licensing courses, $60 for the state licensing exam, $52 for having your fingerprints taken, and $170 for submitting your license application.
For more information on getting a Virginia salesperson license, you can check out our How to Get a Real Estate License in Virginia guide.
The pre-licensing real estate education in Virginia focuses on equipping aspiring real estate agents with a deep understanding of how to effectively practice real estate.
This education, which includes detailed studies on managing real estate transactions and the various aspects that influence them, is designed to fully prepare students for the licensing exam.
Information on this page was researched and gathered from a multitude of sources and was most recently updated on July 29, 2024
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